Le Mans '66 was our Cineworld Secret Screening – discover the reactions

Oscar winners Matt Damon and Christian Bale took pole position during last night's Cineworld Secret Screening of racing drama Le Mans '66.

Directed by Logan film-maker James Mangold, it recounts the titanic automotive struggle between Ford designer Carroll Shelby (Damon) and the might of Ferrari. The movie is based on fact as Shelby seeks to build a car that will defeat the Italian powerhouse at the 24 Hour of Le Mans race in France. To that end, Shelby enlists the help of maverick British racing driver Ken Miles (Bale).

The movie has already been well received by critics and may be in line for Oscar nominations come January. So what did Cineworlders make of it? This was our first secret screening open to all members of the public, not just Unlimited, and many people reacted with excitement to the movie, including Emma @ The Movies.

I was hooked from the first moment I heard an engine roar. Bale and Damon were fantastic together, amazing chemistry on screen, and the driving sequences were perfectly choreographed. I enjoyed every minute.

— Emma @ The Movies (@VisionInMovies) November 4, 2019

Top Duck says racing fans will love the movie.

@cineworld Absorbing and entertaining in equal measure, as a motor racing fan I loved it, but it's a film that anyone can enjoy, Damon and Bale are outstanding. James Mangold even made Le Mans racing appear to be exciting, and that's no mean feat.! 5/5

— Top Duck (@Grumpyduck) November 4, 2019

Leanne admits that as a non-car enthusiast, she found the movie to be a gripping experience.

#LeMans24 #lemans66 #Cineworld gotta admit a 152 min film about cars didn't intrigue me that much. Surprised to say I can eat my words. Bale and Damon are a dream duo and it's pedal to the metal till the final moment. Hooked from the very first second. A must-see! 9/10

— Leanne  (@Leanneiscoolyeh) November 4, 2019

Sue Ginda lauds the powerhouse duo of Damon and Bale.

I never thought I'd enjoy #LeMans66 as much as I did. Christian Bale and Matt Damon had real chemistry and the film captured the feel of 1966 perfectly, right down to the 'I Dream of Jeannie' theme tune playing in the background at one point! A helluva ride!! #unlimited

— Sue Ginda (@SueGinda) November 5, 2019

JuliaLovesRain89 agrees, praising the performances.

Thrilling, pumping with adrenaline and gets you on the edge of your seat. Brilliant performances from Damon and Bale and awesome music. This demands a watch on the biggest screen possible!

— JuliaLovesRain89 (@MuddyWelliesGal) November 4, 2019

William Kennedy is tipping the movie for Oscar success.

You could almost smell the engine oil coming out of the screen for this film. Absolutely enthralled by it. Great acting and film production. This film must get a podium position come awards season.

— William Kennedy (@willk_london) November 4, 2019

Rotting Corpse of Darren Clay isn't the only person to pick up on Bale's Brummie accent...

Great. But was it me, or was Christian Bale channeling Steve Coogan's Saxondale?

— Rotting Corpse of Darren Clay (@darrenjclay) November 4, 2019

Sam says director James Mangold stages the racing sequences with flair.

Was so stoked to find out that tonight’s @cineworld Secret Screening was #FORDvFERRARI (Le Mans 66)!
Absolutely stunning racing sequences and stellar performances by Christian Bale & Matt Damon! #CineworldUnlimited #Cineworld

— Sam (@samshawmedia) November 4, 2019

Andy W praises the film's insight into this pioneering racing partnership.

An awesome insight into Shelby's relationship with both Ford and Miles.
I thought Bale stole the show as Miles and thoroughly enjoyed the film. A great surprise.

— Andy W Blue Flame Special (@maisonblanc19) November 4, 2019

By contrast, Gillarms struggled to get involved in the narrative.

Not my cup of tea at all, there's only so many times you can see a rev counter or a pedal to the metal before it gets boring. Stuck it out though. Good to see so many others enjoyed it, I'm just not a petrol head.

— Gillarms Legogenie #FBPE (@gillarms) November 5, 2019

We'll end with this response from Christopher Edward, who seems to speak for a lot of other audience members.

Le Mans '66, great film, had a lump in my throat at the end, thanks @cineworld

— Christopher Edward Esq. (@ChrisEdwardEsq) November 4, 2019

Didn't get to attend last night's screening? Well, the good news is Le Mans '66 is released in Cineworld cinemas on the 15th of November.

If you were lucky enough to attend last night, tweet us your reactions @Cineworld and using #SecretScreening.